Video

Netherlands queen abdicates in favour of son

April 30 - Queen Beatrix retires, making her eldest son, Willem-Alexander, the country's first king in more than a century. Lindsey Parietti reports.

TRANSCRIPT +

The Netherlands greets its new king, Willem-Alexander.
He becomes the first king to sit on the throne in 120 years after his mother Beatrix ceded the monarchy Tuesday.
(SOUNDBITE) (Dutch) PRINCESS BEATRIX, SAYING (SOUNDBITE STARTS OVER SHOT OF ROYALS ON BALCONY AND ENDS OVER KING WILLEM-ALEXANDER KISSING PRINCESS BEATRIX):
"A few moments ago, I stepped down from the throne. I am happy and grateful to introduce you to your new king, King Willem-Alexander," she says.
Her eldest son thanked her for 33 years of "admirable and inspiring" service.
Following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, the 75-year-old former queen now takes the title of princess.
Her resignation comes on Queen's day, and more than a million people are expected to join in the street festivities.
The royals enjoy broad popularity, but have been stripped of political influence.
Willem-Alexander, a 46-year-old water management specialist, and his wife Queen Maxima of Argentina are expected to bring a less formal touch to the monarchy.

SPONSOREDSTORIES

Reuters is the news and media division of Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms.

*All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays.